Flash floods hit Chile desert region

A state of emergency was declared in the Atacama Desert in Chile after heavy floods hit the region on Wednesday. The towns of Tierra Amarilla, Copiapo and Alto del Carmen were severely flooded after heavy rain, affecting some 600 people in the area. The Copiapo and El Salado rivers overflowed with muddy water and debris, blocking roads and damaging residential buildings.

The Atacama Desert is commonly known as the driest place in the world.